Durban to host 2022 Commonwealth Games: South Africa to be first African nation to host the Games

All other bidders had pulled out of the running

Durban is to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games (Getty)

Durban has been announced as the host city for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The South African city was the only remaining bidder as the decision was announced at the Commonwealth Games Federation General Assembly in Auckland, where the Federation's new Scottish president Louise Martin delivered an address.

The unanimous vote in favour therefore came as no surprise.

The CGF tweeted to confirm the appointment - "The XXII Commonwealth Games are unanimously awarded to the South African city of Durban."

Edmonton in Canada had been a rival bidder to Durban but pulled out of the race in February.

It will mark the first time any African country has hosted the Commonwealth Games.

The opening ceremony of the games will take place on July 18 - the date of birth of South Africa's first black president Nelson Mandela.

Much of the infrastructure is already in place, with an athletics track to be installed at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The venue will have a capacity of 56,000 for the event.

Aquatics events will be staged at the Kings Park Pool, with Kings Park Stadium hosting rugby sevens, indoor events at the Durban ICC and Exhibition Centre and the beachfront and harbour used for road cycling and triathlon.

PA